Data handling system

Abstract

A data handling system for multi-user transactions has a central data processing device incorporating a data store structured in accordance with a predetermined progressive transaction involving cooperation between users, and a plurality of data access interfaces for the device for the respective users with defined access privileges. At least some interfaces are read/write interfaces whereby data can be read from and written to the store in relation to predetermined stages of the transaction in accordance with the respective privileges.

1 . A data handling system for multi-user transactions comprising a central data processing device incorporating a data store structured in accordance with a predetermined progressive transaction involving cooperation between users, a plurality of data access interfaces for the device for the respective users with defined access privileges, at least some interfaces being read/write interfaces whereby data can be read from and written to the said store in relation to predetermined stages of the said transaction in accordance with the respective said privileges.  
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein there are different said defined access privileges giving access to different data.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to claim wherein some define access privileges give access to shared data.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1  incorporating means for providing data output as hard copy documentation.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 1  incorporating means for bidirectional exchange of said data with a separate user data handling system.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 5  wherein the user system comprises a hand held or mobile device.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 1  structured for multiple said progressive job transactions.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 1  when used for a said transaction which constitutes forwarding of a freight consignment between destinations passing through the hands of different intermediaries.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 1  used for a said transaction which constitutes a legal transaction related to the resolution of a problem with different parties working together.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 1  when used for a said transaction which constitutes a public project related to construction work with different parties working together.  
   
   
       11 . A method of tracking movements of freight consignments under the control of a plurality of separate parties wherein each freight consignment has a respective set of data stored at a central data store, and each party has access to the data store for purposes of reading and writing to the data set in accordance with a respective set of permissions.